Watch The First Movie

The First Movie is a 2009 documentary film directed and narrated by Mark Cousins. The film is a unique glimpse into the lives of the children living in Goptapa, a remote village in Kurdistan, Iraq. Goptapa is a village ravaged by war, and the children have never seen a movie or a camera before. The film starts with Cousins travelling to Goptapa to teach the children about filmmaking. Cousins starts by showing the children movies on a small portable projector he brought with him. The children are fascinated by the movies and watch the films with wide-open eyes. The film then proceeds to document Cousins teaching the children how to use a camera and how to create a story.

Cousins teaches the children about the power of storytelling and how it can be used to communicate with the world. He encourages the children to tell their own stories and to portray their village as they see it. The children take up the challenge and explore their village through the lens of the camera.

The film features several stories that the children create, each one shedding light on a different aspect of their daily lives. One of the stories is about a group of children who, after watching a Western film, decide to make their own cowboy movie. Another story talks about the village's tradition of storytelling and how it has been passed down from generation to generation.

Throughout the film, we see the children's enthusiasm and creativity as they learn to use the camera and create their own stories. The scenes are heartening and joyful, and it's evident that Cousins has struck a chord with the children.

But amidst the exuberance, there are glimpses of the harsh reality of their situation. The village is impoverished, and the children have seen and experienced the horrors of war. The film captures the resilience of the children as they persevere despite the adversity around them.

The First Movie is an incredibly moving film that gives a voice to the voiceless. The film is a testament to the power of storytelling and its ability to inspire change. The film not only showcases the talent of the children but also highlights the importance of providing a platform for unheard voices.

The film is beautifully shot and captures the essence of the village and its people. Cousins' direction is excellent, and his heartfelt narration adds depth to the film. The film is a testament to Cousins' vision and his unique ability to create a connection with the children.

In conclusion, The First Movie is a must-watch for everyone who loves cinema and believes in the power of storytelling. The film is a remarkable achievement and showcases how films can connect people from different parts of the world. The film demonstrates that even in the most challenging of circumstances, creativity and the human spirit can shine through.

The First Movie is a 2009 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 16 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2.